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The latest Illinois news on homeschooling, alternative schools and school choice, with a short summary of each story. Updated every week.
Illinois Policy Institute · Mon, Nov 9, 2026
Illinois taxpayers could direct more than billion in donations to students in the state if Gov. J.B. Pritzker opts Illinois into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, also called the Education Freedom Tax Credit. The program gives a 1:1 tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, and students in public and private schools can use the money for expenses such as tutoring, services for students with disabilities, tuition, fees, books and supplies. Married couples filing jointly can claim the credit on up to $3,400 in donations each year, and individual filers up to
WNIJ Northern Public Radio · Tue, Nov 3, 2026
Voters across northern Illinois decided several school referendums on November 3, 2026, with mixed results. Oswego (District 308) and Yorkville approved bond plans for repairs, new buildings and schools, and both districts said their plans would not raise taxes. Plans in St. Charles, Sandwich, Waltham and Chadwick-Milledgeville were rejected. Community Unit School District 300 appeared headed for a narrow loss, with the count still in progress. District 300 estimated a $400,000 home would pay about
CBS News Chicago · Tue, Nov 3, 2026
Democrats swept the 2026 midterm elections in Illinois, with JB Pritzker winning a third term as governor and Juliana Stratton winning the U.S. Senate seat held by Dick Durbin. Voters also elected five new members of the U.S. House, and Democrats broke a 14-year Republican supermajority in the state House. Election officials say at least 656,699 of 1,565,133 registered voters, just under 42%, cast ballots, but these figures are preliminary. The city has 21 days to finalize results and turnout. Pritzker says his next term will focus on affordability, including more housing and lower electric bills.
State of Illinois Newsroom (Governor's Office) · Tue, Oct 20, 2026
Gov. Pritzker has announced the 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools, recognizing 24 schools across Illinois for exemplary academic achievement. The state program is modeled on the federal Blue Ribbon program, which the article reports was canceled by the Trump Administration. For Illinois families, the announcement highlights schools that have been honored by the state for their academic results. The article does not list any steps for families or any deadlines.
State of Illinois Newsroom (Governor's Office) · Mon, Aug 17, 2026
As Illinois students head back to school, Governor JB Pritzker pointed to 2026 national rankings that recognize the state as one of the nation's leaders in education. He said the results reflect years of sustained investment in students, educators and schools. The Governor also noted that his administration has increased Evidence-Based Funding for Illinois schools by
Franczek P.C. · Fri, Aug 7, 2026
Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 5321 on August 7, 2026, making it Public Act 104-0795. The law adds Section 24-8.2 to the Illinois School Code and limits which continuing education coursework public employers may count toward teacher lane salary advancement. For coursework completed on or after July 1, 2026, districts may award lane advancement for covered coursework only when the new statutory requirements are met. The law applies to licensed classroom teachers, not administrators, and does not require districts to create new advancement opportunities. Districts may need to review their collective bargaining agreements and local documentation processes. Some locally developed activities outside the law's definition may remain eligible for negotiated salary advancement, though further guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education may be needed.
Ballotpedia News · Thu, Jul 30, 2026
Illinois lawmakers adjourned their 2026 regular session on June 1 after passing two election-related bills and one resolution, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed both bills in June and July. The bill most relevant to families is HB 4339, which requires school districts to give all eligible graduating high school students the opportunity to register to vote, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Pritzker signed it on July 10. SB 3645, signed in June, moves the dissolution of the Ranked-Choice and Voting Systems Task Force to Jan. 1, 2027, and sets the same date for the task force to publish its recommendations. The House also passed HR 652, which urges federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to refrain from civil immigration enforcement at or near voting locations.
ABC7 Chicago · Wed, Jul 29, 2026
Gov. JB Pritzker has signed SB 2427, a law that bans cellphones in public schools across Illinois. The law requires school districts to adopt a "bell-to-bell" policy that restricts phone access from the first bell to the final dismissal bell. It takes effect for the 2027-2028 school year. Starting Sept. 1, the Illinois School Board of Education will share a template policy to kick off community discussion. The law allows exceptions for medical needs, students with IEPs or 504 plans, English learners and caregivers. Districts will decide whether high school students can use their phones during lunch or passing periods. The governor says the law should improve student engagement and mental health while reducing bullying.
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